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 Plant California Polytechnic State University, Robert F. Hoover Herbarium; Usage Rights: CC0 1.0 (Public-domain) | | | | | |
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Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Annual Similar Species: Stylocline citroleum, S. micropoides
General Desc:
Low-growing erect or spreading annual. Clusters of small, rounded, greenish-white, cottony flower heads grow at the tip of the flower stalk. Small, oval, grayish-green leaves with woolly hairs are densely crowded on the upper stem.
Identification notes: Small annual; greenish-white cottony heads in small clusters at branch tips, stems forked, generally evenly leafy, less so at tips; leaves alternate, not stemmed; flower bracts leafy; broad, membranous wings; green or white flowers with cobwebby hairs.
Height:
To nearly 8 inches
Habitat Description: Found in sandy soils, on slopes, flats, disturbed areas, dry drainage areas or relatively mesic sites in deserts (sites having a moderate or well-balanced supply of moisture during the growing season).
Plant Communities:
Desert Scrub, Interior Chaparral, Semidesert Grasslands, Disturbed Areas
Elevation: 500 - 4500 feet
Color:
Greenish-white
Shape:
Daisy or dandelion-like in elongated clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Feb - May
Description:
Flower stalk bears small, rounded flower heads consisting of tiny outer and inner flowers (florets). Outer florets are enclosed by shaggy, leaf-like bracts that have wide, glossy, wing-like projections and form a green sac totally enfolding the fruit.
Leaf Color:
Grayish-green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Round or oval
Leaf Margin:
Smooth
Leaf Attachment:
Alternate
Leaves Clasp:
N
Hairs:
Leaves and stems
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
Leaves are stemless, 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide, with an oval, oblong or spoon shape, sometimes narrow and sometimes with a sharp protruding tip. Leaves are slightly reduced in length but wider and more densely crowded on the upper stem.
Fruit Color: Brown
Fruit Type: Achene
Fruit Notes: Fruit has an egg-like shape, is flattened lengthwise and grows to about 1/16 inch long. At its tip, the fruit may have 1 to 6 hair-like tufts or bristles that are smooth to barbed. These tufts aid in wind dispersal of the fruit.
Seed Notes: 1 seed is produced by the fruit. When mature, the fruit does not split open to release the seed.
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